How long do dog hives last
How long can hives last?
Hives can appear and disappear quickly, with each hive only lasting around 23 hours. However, depending on the cause, they may reappear and continue affecting someone for days, weeks, or longer.
People can have acute hives, which occurs due to a specific trigger and resolves within
This article looks at how long hives last, factors that influence their duration, and treatment.
Each hive lasts only
Acute hives appear quickly and do not last long. Doctors classify hives as acute if the overall duration is less than 6 weeks.
However, around 25% of people go on to develop chronic hives. This is when hives regularly reappear over 6 weeks or more.
For many individuals, chronic hives eventually clear on their own, but this can take months. According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD), around half of people with chronic hives spontaneously recover within 1 year.
Acute hives often occur in response to an allergen or irritant. When the immune system perceives a substance as a threat, it releases histamine and other chemicals. This causes tiny blood vessels under someones skin to leak fluid, which accumulates and causes the bump.
Some
- food allergens, such as milk, eggs, tree nuts, peanuts, or shellfish
- contact allergens, such as latex or animal dander
- insect bites or stings
- medications
Any drug can cause hives, but some of the medications most commonly associated with this symptom include:
Acute hives can also occur in response to viral infections, parasitic infections, or during times of stress.
According to a 2018 review, doctors are unsure of the cause of acute hives in
Chronic hives may have the same cause as acute hives, but with symptoms lasting longer than 6 weeks. However, chronic hives are often not due to an allergen and instead have a physical cause.
There are two subcategories of chronic hives: inducible urticaria and chronic idiopathic urticaria.
Chronic idiopathic hives
Chronic idiopathic urticaria has no clear cause and is the most common form of chronic hives. Researchers are working to understand why this type of hives occurs, but a leading theory links it with autoimmunity.
Autoimmunity occurs when a persons immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue, and several autoimmune conditions are associated with chronic hives. The most common is thyroid disease, which is present in
This suggests that the hives may result from someones immune system not functioning as it should. Other conditions that can occur alongside chronic hives include type 1 diabetes, lupus, and rheumatoid arthritis.
Infections can also be associated with the onset of chronic hives. This includes bacterial, viral, and parasitic infections. Again, this may result from autoimmunity an infection may trigger a change in how the persons immune system works.
Inducible hives
Inducible or physical urticaria is less common than chronic idiopathic urticaria. With this subtype, it is possible to purposely induce the hives by a person exposing their skin to certain triggers, which could include:
- Scratching or pressure: The
most common type of inducible hives is known as dermatographia. This condition involves developing hives as a response to scratching or drawing on the skin. - Cold: Cold hives occur on someones skin or mouth after exposure to cold temperatures. Triggers include consuming iced drinks, touching cold water, or going outside in cold weather.
- Heat: Cholinergic hives occurs when an individuals body becomes hot or sweaty. Hot baths, exercise, and spicy food can be triggers.
- UV light: Solar hives occur in response to UV light from the sun and certain light bulbs, such as those in tanning beds.
- Water: Some people develop hives if their skin comes into contact with water. This is known as aquagenic urticaria and is very rare.
Doctors diagnose hives by performing a physical examination. There is no test to determine whether the persons hives are acute or chronic, so they will use the length of time they recur to do this.
The doctor may also ask an individual:
- when the rash began
- the shape, size, and distribution of the rash
- where on the body they first noticed the rash
- if they have had any insect bites
- if they live or work with common hive triggers, such as chemicals, animals, or latex gloves
- if they have bone or joint pain, fever, or abdominal pain
- if anyone in their family experiences hives
- if they take any medications or supplements
The doctor may use a skin prick test and serum-specific IgE test to check if the acute hives result from a specific substance, such as food, dust mites, or chemicals. Alternatively, they may refer someone to an allergy clinic for these tests.
However, in cases of chronic hives, allergy testing is rarely useful. A doctor may check for other underlying health conditions by performing additional tests, such as:
The most suitable treatment depends on whether the person has acute hives or chronic hives.
Acute hives
Doctors typically recommend second-generation antihistamines as the first-line treatment for acute hives, such as:
- loratadine (Claritin)
- desloratadine (Clarinex)
- fexofenadine (Allegra)
- cetirizine (Zyrtec)
- levocetirizine (Xyzal)
They may prescribe a standard dose or increase by up to 4 times if the individual does not respond.
If these medications do not improve symptoms, the doctor may recommend an additional antihistamine, such as cimetidine (Tagamet), famotidine (Pepcid), or ranitidine (Zantac). They may recommend a 310-day course of corticosteroids to help control the symptoms in severe cases.
The doctor may prescribe an epinephrine auto-injector if they think the individual is at risk of anaphylaxis, which is a severe allergic reaction that restricts breathing. This provides emergency medicine to treat anaphylaxis quickly.
The doctor will then reassess the individual in 26 weeks.
Chronic hives
Doctors may recommend a four-step treatment plan for chronic hives. This approach involves using an antihistamine daily, which may be up to 4 times the regular dosage depending on how the individual responds.If necessary, they may prescribe a second antihistamine or another medication, such as montelukast (Singulair). With persistent hives, they may suggest a high potency antihistamine, such as hydroxyzine or doxepin.
The final step is for a doctor to refer the individual to a specialist for immunomodulatory therapy. This may involve taking medications such as omalizumab (Xolair) or cyclosporine (Sandimmune).
Once symptoms are under control, a doctor may gradually reduce the dosage of these medications. If the hives have an identifiable cause, such as cold or heat exposure, adopting changes to avoid the triggers wherever possible is also important.
The AAD suggests the following methods for people to reduce irritation and itchiness in hives:
- applying topical anti-itch medications, such as calamine lotion
- wearing loose-fitting clothing
- moisturizing with fragrance-free lotion to prevent dry skin
- using cold compresses several times per day
However, it is important for individuals to try to determine whether the hives have a specific trigger, in addition to relieving symptoms. If someone has cold hives, for example, a cold compress may make them worse.
Therefore, it is a good idea for people to keep a symptom diary, recording when the hives occur and any factors that might have contributed. Symptom diaries are also useful to refer to at medical appointments. A person can take note of:
- the date and time the hives appear
- what they were doing just before they developed
- what they have had to eat or drink
If any common factors emerge when the hives occur, a person can try to temporarily avoid these to see if it helps. It is important for people to do this with the guidance of a doctor, allergist, or dietitian if someone has food-related hives.
Learn more about remedies and treatments for hives here.
Hives do not last long, taking only 23 hours to fade. However, more can appear, which makes the symptoms last longer. Acute hives can develop and resolve on their own within 6 weeks, while chronic hives can last much longer.
Doctors treat acute and chronic hives differently, so it is advisable for people to speak with a medical professional about this symptom, especially if the hives last longer than 6 weeks.
If hives or swelling occur in the mouth and airways, making it difficult to breathe, dial 911 or the number of the nearest emergency department immediately.
Dog Hives 101 Symptoms, Causes, And Treatment Of Hives In Dogs
Nobody wants their dog to be in any kind of distress so we do everything we can to make their lives as pleasurable and happy as possible. Unfortunately, we cant always control what happens to our four-legged companions. One of those instances that we dont have complete control over is an allergic reaction such ...
Nobody wants their dog to be in any kind of distress so we do everything we can to make their lives as pleasurable and happy as possible. Unfortunately, we cant always control what happens to our four-legged companions.
One of those instances that we dont have complete control over is an allergic reaction such as urticaria or hives. Hives in dogs are rarely fatal, and they can go away on their own after a few hours.Thats the good news.
However, if they dont go away without medicine, or if additional skin welts emerge or the size of the hives grows, you should seek veterinary help as soon as possible so that it doesnt turn into a severe allergic reaction.
Scroll down to discover more about the origins, symptoms, and treatment options for dog hives and see how you can help your furry friend in this tricky situation!
What Are Dog Hives?
Hives are itchy, red, swollen, and irritating skin rashes or welts. Dog welts commonly occur anywhere on the body, including the face, neck, lips, and ears. The majority of these responses are not generally life-threatening; they are limited and they frequently self-resolve.
Because of the dogs thick fur coat, though, hives in dogs are more difficult to detect than acute allergic reactions on human skin.
The rashes might be visible on sections of the dogs body where there is less hair but other than that, you might only detect a few little elevated tufts of hair that suggest the existence of raised welts. These welts on your pets skin might be uncomfortable or not affect them at all.
In moderate situations, the hives will usually go away within 12 to 48 hours of coming into touch with the allergen.
However, because the response might progress into hazardous swelling of your dogs airways or a life-threatening allergic reaction known as anaphylaxis, you should get medical help if you notice hives on your dog.
That is particularly true for hives on the face or around the mouth, which can cause hazardous swelling and possibly airway obstruction. In this case, a few minutes could be crucial for saving your dogs life.
Symptoms Of Dog Hives
Hives in dogs have symptoms that are similar to those seen in people. Your dogs hives will generally show up as:
- Intense itching
- Swelling
- Redness
These arent the only symptoms associated with hives. Besides itchy skin and runny nose, you might notice other signs such as a coat that seems to have raised bumps or patchwork.
Canine hives, like human hives, are tiny, elevated weals measuring 1 to 20 cm in diameter. They might be concentrated at one spot or dispersed throughout the body. Several hives in a congested area might potentially seem like a single bigger swelling.
Itchy hives are a common occurrence.
If you notice your dog scratching, check for any indications of dog allergic reaction bumps, especially dog hives on back, or other irritants, such as fleas and call your vet if the symptoms get worse.
Swelling (angioedema), which is especially dangerous when it affects the face and respiratory system, can have serious and life-threatening implications.
If you notice any changes in your dogs skin, dont turn to Google for pictures of hives on dogs make a vet appointment right away at the nearest location and ask for expert advice!
Causes Of Dog Hives: Food Allergies, Insect Bites & More
Why is your dog breaking out in hives?
Hives on dogs skin are a normal part of the immune system or, rather, its response. They are usually caused by:
- Allergens in the environment
- Unfavorable medication response
- Insect stings or bites
- Chemical poisoning
- Toxic plants
- Sunlight
- Heat
- Exercise
- Stress
- Genetic abnormalities
The world around your dog is full of possible allergies and irritants. Dogs hives can be caused by food, pollen, dust, fleas, mosquito bites, and a variety of other environmental allergens.
This type of skin infection could also be caused by more severe allergic responses, such as those caused by an insect bite especially if your pet has very sensitive skin.
Other causes can be chemicals and plants like stinging nettles, even more so in short-haired dogs.
Insects or plants might be the source of hives on your dog during a stroll through grassy regions. Keep in mind that some causes of swelling such as snake and spider bites could be life-threatening if not treated at once.
Medications can also trigger allergic responses, though. If your dog develops hives after starting a new drug, contact your veterinarian, and keep an eye on your pup for any other symptoms or side effects.
That said, immune reactions arent always the source of hives in dogs.
Hives in dogs may be triggered or intensified by a variety of factors, including heat, activity, stress, and genetic disorders.
How Vets Diagnose Hives
The diagnosis of hives in dogs is pretty simple. Diagnosing the underlying cause, on the other hand, is the tricky part.
Once your veterinarian has determined that your puppy has hives, theyll perform a physical examination to look for any additional symptoms or signs of allergic reactions.
If there isnt a risk of anaphylaxis, your vet will likely question you about your dogs food, medication changes, and any pertinent recent activity. Depending on these results, your veterinarian might advise you to pursue a variety of options.
Allergic Reaction & Testing
In certain circumstances, allergy testing may be required particularly in cases with chronic urticaria. And if food allergies are suspected, your veterinarian could recommend an elimination diet to figure out whats causing the problem.
You can always pay for the allergy tests done by the vet, but there is an alternative and a slightly less expensive and invasive one at that. And that would be a home allergy testing kit.
The5Strands Pet Environmental & Food Intolerance Test is an excellent example of an efficient and pain-free way you can test your dog for allergies.
How To Treat Hives In Dogs
Hives in dogs usually go away on their own within a few hours.
However, in severe or chronic situations when the irritant cannot be removed promptly, or the swelling is causing extreme discomfort to the dog, dog hives treatment may require medications.
If thats the case, the treatment your vet prescribes will more than likely include medications such as a corticosteroid or antihistamine.
Management Of Dog Hives
While hives could go away on their own after several hours, it might take a bit longer to figure out what is causing them.
Some dogs skin is simply too sensitive and they get more hives than others. Others may have allergic reactions that need to be managed on a long-term basis.
Learning how to handle your dogs sensitivity and allergic reaction will help prevent a recurrence.
Dogs with grass allergies or sun sensitivity, for example, might need to wear special attire when they go outside. When talking about food allergies, you will have to change your dogs diet to eliminate the type of foods that cause hives.
You may be able to infer some of the triggers for your dogs disease by observing him, but keep in mind that, even if the source of an allergy can be discovered, it could take a long time.
Preventing Hives In Dogs
Its not always possible to avoid hives. Avoiding particular situations, chemicals, or drugs if you know your dog has a hypersensitivity or allergy to them will assist. Insect bites, on the other hand, are more difficult to prevent.
Consult your veterinarian about the best approach to keep your dog from developing recurring hives.
Theyll help determine the best protocols to follow in order to minimize additional responses, as well as the dangers of severe alergic reactions, such as anaphylactic shock.
Minimize exposure to the allergen that is causing the problem.
Thats the most effective method for preventing hives in dogs. Its easier said than done, though.
Allergens can be found in your dogs immediate environment or in the food it eats. Youll have to take steps to identify the allergen thats causing the problem so that you may reduce or eliminate your pets exposure.
If your dog has had a reaction to a vaccine in the past, your veterinarian may give them an injection 10-14 minutes before the vaccine is given. To reduce the risk of bad responses, your veterinarian may also decide to change your pets immunization routine in the future.
Dog Hives FAQs
Are dog hives dangerous?
If the hives are caused by insect stings particularly bee stings dogs faces and lips might swell dramatically. If the swelling spreads to the neck, breathing might become difficult, culminating in anaphylaxis. In this case, hives are dangerous.
Are hives on dogs contagious for humans or other pets?
Humans and other pets are not afflicted with hives. Keep other pets and household members away from potential issue areas if your veterinarian believes the source of the hives is a chemical or environmental irritant such as poison ivy and similar.
Is there a vaccine for hives in dogs?
There is no vaccine for hives. That said, vaccines can sometimes produce an immunological reaction that results in hives. These are typically minor, but if your dog has a response to treatment, medicine, or immunization, always consult your vet.
How long do dog hives last?
Hives usually go away on their own once the allergen has been eliminated or minimized from the dogs environment. However, it might take anywhere from 24 to 72 hours to clear up.
What can I give my dog for allergic reactions and hives?
Its important to realize that, in many cases of hives, they wont disappear suddenly which is why many people rush to treat them with natural remedies and whatnot. ALWAYS seek veterinary advice first if your dog has developed hives. Pet owners should never treat a condition caused by an allergic reaction by themselves. Instead, make an emergency vet visit ASAP.
Dog Hives Final word
Figuring out whats wrong with your dog can be a lengthy process, especially with an allergic reaction. Dog hives causes are plenty so, arm yourself with patience.
Keep in mind that you shouldnt give any medications without your vets supervision. Once you figure out the reason or reasons that cause hives in your dog, its easier to provide your pup with the best possible care.
Looking in your dogs eyes and knowing youre doing absolutely everything you can to help them is priceless, wouldnt you agree?
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Dog Allergic Reaction
What Does Dog Allergy Look Like
Hot Spots On Dogs Skin
